Galactic Cap reinvents condom design for better sensation
In a revolutionary new design, condoms significantly reduced in length could increase sensation while protecting against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The Galactic Cap is exactly that, a cap that covers the uppermost part of the glans penis, held in place by means of an adhesive strip. This leaves the coronal ridge and entire shaft exposed for increased pleasurable sensations.
The adhesive strip, which can be applied well in advance, does not cover the urinary opening.
Company founder and designer Charles Powell says the reservoir of the Galactic Cap is thicker and tougher than that of traditional condoms, reducing the potential for breakage.
According to the CDC, the traditional male condom has a typical-use failure rate of 18 percent.
Powell launched crowdfunding on May 31 and hopes to collect 100,000 USD by July 1. Potential funders are invited to contribute in increments ranging from $5 to $25,000.
While FDA approval could take 18 months, those who contribute $100 or more will be rewarded with product samples to be delivered in December 2014. At press time, no official launch date had been projected.
Powell became inspired to remodel the prophylactic when he lost a close friend to AIDS. On his Indiegogo campaign page, he cites a broad distaste for traditional condoms amongst both men and women. He hopes that his product will reduce the spread of STIs while providing a nearly natural sensation.
While the glans was once believed to be the most sensitive part of the penis, recent research indicates that it's actually the foreskin, which is fully exposed with proper Galactic Cap use.
For users who no longer have their foreskin, a study shows that the circumcision scar on the ventral surface is the most sensitive area, which the Galactic Cap would also leave exposed.
While the product appears promising in terms of increasing sexual satisfaction, it offers no protection against STIs transmissible by skin-to-skin contact such as oral and genital herpes, HPV and syphilis.
Whether the product will fully protect against the transmission of other STIs has yet to be confirmed, although it is the first of its kind to be held in place by an adhesive strip, which could offer increased stability.
The need for a more user-friendly condom with enhanced sexual pleasure is realized around the world.
In 2013, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation launched a competition to create a better condom in which the winner will be rewarded 100,000 USD.
